September 3, 2015, U.S. Open 2015
By: Jillian Wright
Lleyton Hewitt said his farewell to the US Open, losing in the second round to fellow Aussie Bernie Tomic in a grueling five set encounter on the Grandstand court. The 34 year-old Hewitt was down two sets and a break but fought back and earned two match points. However, he could not close the deal and the fatigued Tomic won 7-5 in the fifth set.
The two men are good friends and were not keen on facing each other for the first time at a tour level event. They have played together often in practice and in preparation for the Davis Cup. Hewitt said they “have a good relationship” and “get along great”. He has taken on a mentor role for Tomic (aged 22) and the other young Aussies.
Hewitt has announced that he will retire after the Australian Open in January 2016. The popular Aussie has had many highlights over his tennis career including: youngest player to reach a #1 ranking (20 years, eight months); 2001 US Open Champion; 2002 Wimbledon Champion; member of the 1999 and 2003 Australian Davis Cup Championship teams, 2000 US Open Men’s Doubles Champion (with Max Mirnyi); and 30 career titles.
Tomic, the highest ranked Australian at 24, had never been past the second round at the US Open until this victory – 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, 7-5. Tomic won the first two sets fairly comfortably winning 94% of his first serve points and not giving Hewitt any breakpoint chances. Hewitt played aggressively but errors kept creeping into his game.
During the break between the second and third sets and again during the third set, Hewitt called for the trainer to treat his right leg. The treatment seemed to loosen him up and he battled back to take the next two sets. He improved his service points won and committed only 11 unforced errors compared to 30 by Tomic.
Both men put forth a great effort in the fifth set. Hewitt was able to break Tomic in the 7th game and then consolidated the break to go up 5-3. He had two match points in Tomic’s next service game, but Tomic got himself out of trouble with good serving. Tomic was cramping but held on to win the match.
Tomic will face 12th seed Richard Gasquet of France in Round 3. Gasquet leads the head to head match ups 5-1, with Tomic’s only win coming at Wimbledon 3rd Round in 2013.
Hewitt is playing doubles at the US Open with Sam Groth and then will be playing in the Davis Cup Semifinals vs. Great Britain in September.
Sam Stosur matches on
The other Aussie triumph on Day 4 of the US Open was Sam Stosur. Sam was in super form in this match, winning 6-1, 6-1. Rodina did not have a chance as the Queenslander blasted 29 winners and won the match in just 52 minutes. Sam served up 8 aces and no double faults. She won 79% of her service points and 60% of receiving points. Sam has been playing well since reuniting with coach Dave Taylor in April, winning two titles (Strasbourg and Bad Gastein) and reaching the Semifinals in Washington D.C. In Round 3, Sam (22nd seed) will face Sara Errani of Italy who is the 16th seed. Sam has won 5 of the 7 times they have faced each other.
